August Update: City Planning Board Approves Site Plan

Following a presentation on Tuesday, July 31 to the City of Buffalo Planning Board, the Board adopted a Positive Findings Statement in support of the new hospital, which effectively completes the SEQRA (State Environmental Quality Review Act) review process for this project.

Additionally, the Planning Board approved the site plan as proposed. With approval granted for the location of entrances for people and traffic, available green space, how the new building fits within its location and compliments the surrounding area.

Finally, the Planning Board issued preliminary lot approval for the re-subdivision of the block into two sections for the new hospital and ambulatory care building.

The remaining City approvals include approval for sub-dividing the lot (8/21/12), easements for the tunnels and walkways and a modified airport permit for the helipad.

In the coming weeks, the hospital will officially submit its Certificate of Need (CON) with the New York State Department of Health. The CON process is the state regulatory process that governs among other things, construction and renovation of health care facilities; much like the plan for a new Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo.

Hospital officials have met with dozens of neighbors, business leaders and block clubs during the planning for the new Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo. The hospital with Kaleida Health is expected to begin the Bryant Street building re-use process later this year.